Organic Week – Soil and Health Association of NZ

Media release

29 April 2026. New Zealanders are invited to take part in Organic Week 2026, a nationwide series of online events running from 1 to 10 May, focused on healthy food, healthy soil and healthy people.

Led by the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand, this year’s programme brings together farmers, health experts and food advocates for a week of webinars, interviews and community discussion.

The online series is designed to make organic knowledge accessible for everyone, from seasoned organic growers to those just starting to explore organic living.

Soil scientist Charles Hyland, chair of Soil & Health, says a key part of this year’s Organic Week is helping people understand the connection between soil, food and wellbeing.

“Healthy soil supports everything – from the food we eat to the resilience of our environment. Organic Week gives people the chance to hear directly from those working with nature and within our food systems to learn practical ways to apply that knowledge,” he says.

The programme begins with an online Organic Café on Saturday 2 May at 10am, offering an informal space for people to connect, share ideas and hear what is ahead for the week.

A webinar on Monday 4 May at 7pm will focus on dung beetles, with experienced pastoral farmers including Stephen Newman, founder of Kaipara Regenerative Farming Group and Paul Candy from Future Ready Farms sharing how these insects improve soil fertility, manage animal waste and reduce nutrient run-off.

On Wednesday 6 May at 7.30pm, a session titled “What’s behind the label?” will help consumers better understand food labels, ingredients and certification. The speakers are Alison White from the Safe Food Campaign and Sarah Reddington from Low Toxin Rabbit, with facilitation by Organic NZ editor Philippa Jamieson.

Health and wellbeing are also part of the line-up. On Thursday 7 May at 7pm, nutritional therapist Paula Sharp will discuss gut health and how to support the microbiome through food and lifestyle.

The final session on Friday 8 May at 7pm features Hawke’s Bay artist and advocate Kate White, offering a fresh perspective on rooks and their role in farming systems, challenging the view of the birds as pests and exploring their place in a functioning ecosystem.

In addition, others have come on board offering in-person events including workshops and film screenings around the country.

The Soil & Health Association of New Zealand, established in 1941, is one of the world’s oldest organic organisations and continues to advocate for systems that support long-term environmental and human health.

“Organic Week is about connection – between people, ideas and the natural systems that sustain us. We welcome anyone who wants to be part of that conversation,” says Philippa Jamieson, editor of Organic NZ.

All interviews will be screened online and later made available via the Soil & Health Association’s YouTube channel, with webinar recordings released in late May.
ENDS

About us
The Soil & Health Association is the largest membership organisation supporting organic food and farming in New Zealand and one of the oldest organic organisations in the world, established in 1941. We are committed to advocating our maxim “Healthy soil – healthy food – healthy people, Oranga nuku – oranga kai – oranga tāngata” and to creating an organic New Zealand.

More information

More information on Organic Week 2026 available here.

Full schedule available here, including links to register for events.

Please reach out for interview opportunities with our spokespersons!

Media contact
Rebecka Keeling
Communications, Soil & Health Association of New Zealand
rebeckakeeling@gmail.com

Volunteer Job Description: Regional Coordinator
Organic Week 1-7 May 2026

Position summary:

As a Regional Coordinator for Organic Week 2026, you will play a pivotal role in promoting and celebrating organic practices within your local area. Your primary responsibilities will include recruiting and managing local volunteers, organising community events, and fostering partnerships with local organisations and businesses.

Responsibilities:

Volunteer Recruitment and Management:

Build your team. Identify and recruit enthusiastic volunteers within your region to support Organic Week initiatives.

Event Planning and Implementation

With your team, plan and execute a variety of engaging community events and activities during Organic Week 2026.

Collaborate with local organisations, schools, and community groups to maximise event participation.

Liaise with your local council regarding funding for your events

Marketing and Communication

Develop a plan to raise awareness of Organic Week activities within your region.

Optimise social media, local media outlets, and community networks to promote events and encourage participation (both online and in-person)

Community Engagement:

Foster positive relationships with local businesses and encourage their involvement by soliciting prizes and sponsorships to support you Organic Week activities.

Act as a liaison between your team and the Organic Week organisers

Requirements:

Passion for organic regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices.

Strong communication, organisational and leadership skills.

Be well connected locally within your region

Knowledge of local funding opportunities

Comfortable utilising social media

Availability to dedicate time to coordinate and oversee Organic Week events within your region.

Benefits:

Opportunity to make a significant impact in promoting organic regenerative practices and environmental sustainability within your community.

Develop leadership, event planning, and communication skills.

Build a network of like-minded individuals passionate about organic regenerative agriculture.

Gain experience in community development

Time commitment:

This is a volunteer role with a flexible time commitment, varying depending on the scale of Organic Week events in your region. Expect to dedicate several hours per week leading up to and during Organic Week (May 1 – May 10).

If you are enthusiastic about organic regenerative farming as a solution to the climate crisis, community engagement, and making a positive environmental impact, we invite you to join us as a Regional Coordinator for Organic Week. Together, we can inspire Aotearoa New Zealand to embrace organic practices and celebrate the benefits of sustainable living.

How to register your interest

To register your interest in this incredible volunteer opportunity, please send your CV and a short letter explaining why you are interested in this role to asha.anderson@soilandhealth.org.nz.